Facet Nerve Destruction. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
General Information
Facet Nerve Destruction – an operation that inactivates pain receptors in the area of the intervertebral joints. It is prescribed for pain that appears during extension in the lumbar spine.
Today, the most effective method of performing this surgical intervention is radiofrequency denervation.
It is performed using a radiofrequency probe. During the operation, the surgeon's actions are monitored through an electron-optical converter that creates two projections on the monitor. Due to this, the area of impact is minimal, and damage to healthy motor and sensory nerves located near the pathological area is minimal.
The principle of the method is based on placing an electrode with an uninsulated end section into the nerve tissue, followed by destruction of the necessary areas. The nerve heats up, liquid evaporates from it, and coagulation occurs. As a result, the pressure inside the intervertebral disc decreases, and the hernia itself "dissolves", thereby ceasing to compress the nerve structures.
Procedure
Preparation
The specialist performs a paraarticular block of the necessary nerves.
Facet nerve destruction procedure
The technique can be carried out in the following ways:
- Injection of neurolytics (phenol, absolute alcohol or glycerin) - used when it is necessary to destroy a large object - the celiac plexus.
- Cryoanalgesia - involves freezing peripheral nerves. A more accurate method. Has a short-term effect. Relapse occurs after six months.
- Radiofrequency destruction – selective thermocoagulation of the necessary nerves is performed using special electrodes.
Destruction of the facet nerves does not lead to complications in the postoperative period, and the recovery period after it is minimal.
This surgical intervention is performed under local anesthesia. By means of a puncture, a specialist inserts a special radiofrequency probe. Watching the movement of the probe on the monitor, the doctor brings it as close as possible to the nerve. After this, it is exposed to high-frequency electromagnetic radiation for two minutes. Then an anti-inflammatory drug and anesthetic are injected through the needle. The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
Rehabilitation period
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. After the operation is completed, if the patient feels normal, discharge is possible within an hour. Bed rest should be observed for 30 minutes after the completion of manipulations. Pain may disappear immediately after the procedure or within a month.
The postoperative period lasts about a month. It is necessary to exclude intense physical exercise, lifting weights, bending the body. For two weeks, it is forbidden to drive cars and sit for more than two hours a day. A course of anti-inflammatory drugs is prescribed.
Indications
Indications for the manipulation are:
- positive paraarticular block;
- long-term pain and its exacerbation in the lumbar region;
- ineffectiveness of drug therapy.
Contraindications
The technique has the following contraindications:
- spinal canal stenosis;
- compression radicular syndrome;
- drug addiction, alcoholism, mental illness, oncology;
- the presence of radicular symptoms;
- age: under 18 and over 75 years;
- spinal circulation disorders;
- infectious process.
Complications
The risk of consequences is minimal. In rare cases, pain may persist and infectious diseases may develop.
Who performs it and where?
The service is provided only by experienced and qualified neurosurgeons in specialized medical centers and clinics. You can find more detailed information on the medical portal .
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